Gordon finally caved in and said he couldn't support the policy anymore.

Just a few months later, in April 2008, Gordon redeemed himself a little in progressive Democratic circles when he did a public about-face and blasted Arpaio during a César Chávez luncheon.

He told the audience that Arpaio's "made-for-TV stunts" were accomplishing nothing but locking up brown people for having broken taillights.

Mullany with Gordon at a black-tie event

Mullany with Willie Nelson and a friend at Super Bowl XLII in Glendale.

That same month, Gordon wrote to then-U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, asking the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and the FBI to investigate Arpaio for what he called a pattern of "discriminatory harassment, improper stops, searches and arrests."

Possibly realizing that mayor of Phoenix would be the highest political office he ever would hold, Gordon attempted twice to extend his term.

The first came in January 2009, when his camp formed a political committee to support changing the Phoenix charter to consolidate city elections. That is, all council members — including the mayor — would be elected at the same time.

In August 2009, Gordon paid $17,000 for a poll to gauge whether voters would support ending term limits for their mayor. Voters said no.

With just a few months left before he leaves office on January 3, Gordon has landed himself the first luxury townhouse at the Chateau on Central office-residential complex, signing a two-year lease with an option to buy the unit for more than $1.5 million.

Gordon's mayoral salary is a little more than $80,000 a year, prompting questions about how he can afford such upscale digs.

Gordon recently told the Associated Press that the townhouse will be a great place to reside since the space can double as an office, as he possibly makes a career out of putting deals together to foster economic development in Phoenix.

As for Gordon's legacy . . .

On AZTV's Pat McMahon Show, just before the August 20 primary, the host asked the then-six mayoral candidates: "You have predecessors — Phil Gordon, Paul Johnson, Skip Rimzsa, and Terry Goddard — and of those four, [whom] do you most admire?"

Is this law Racist? Does it specify brown people?Are the people who agree with this law racist?Are those who want this law enforced racist?The law says nothing of little "brown" people but it explains what is illegal entry. It's not very hard to understand. Why is this law "broken"? Why can it be selectively ignored?Illegal alien includes all people who entered illegally, could be Croation, Russian, Chinese, Irish, Canadians and yes even Mexicans. No one single race or people is referenced in the law. Under Title 8 Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," any citizen of any country other than the United States who:Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact; has committed a federal crime.Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison. Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense.These people cost Pheonix and surrounding cities hundreds of millions to support the education, health and welfare of these illegal immigrants. A landscape worker paid by cash (no taxes) and his wife (a stay at home mom), have been here for 16 years and had 7 children born in the US. Who do you think paid for her medical bills???

Thinkin' with yer dick may be a biological imperative useful for propagating the species, but it is generally not an advantageous quality for elected officials. Ambitious, egotistical types with big libidos have not done as well n the age of instant information...

If Gordon had an ounce of honor remaining, he'd do a "Lapre" in a last ditch effort to mitigate the disgrace his whoring has brought upon all bearing the name "Gordon", and the most desirable fighter jock handle and Mexican pejorative "Gordo". He literally sold out all Phoenicians to satisfy his desires for whores. My deepest sympathys to the whore that had to endure that pig's grunting, groans, and biological emissions. No amount of money could ever buy away the disgust that is your family's.

Gordon is just another political thug, with no ethics! Anyone with ethics would not have done the crap he has! All he is really is just another Democrat that uses his power to control things and tow along a few hanger ons, with just as low a moral character as himself! What a worthless pig he is!!

All Illegal aliens should be allowed to apply for work permits but only while they are outside the United States in their home countries. This type of program (guest workers) has worked very well for many years in economically successful places such as Switzerland, Singapore to name a few. Once their work visa expires they must immediately leave the country. If the females become prgnant, they are immediately returned to their home country. commit any violation of ANY law (even "J" walking) and they are deported. If they attempt to re-enter the US illegaly, they are automatically placed on a list of permanently banned from entry into the US. Are you with us?Just enforce the Immigration Laws and treat all people who want to enter the US fairly. Don't show preference to those that entered illegally. Justice for all?

Watch and see where he lands. Maybe we will be seeing and hearing about him with Gas Can Jan, you know the only one with a set in Obama's cabinet. They covered for one another and maybe she can lend him a honey? The ILLEGAL problem of the Valley is all his baggage.

one thing that the WHITE telephone people that sell the HUMMANA HEALTH PROGRAM have had there phone turned off that they don't get incoming call only the BLACK AND MEXICAN operators are geting the calls the white get only the noncommison paying in calls the BLACKS AND MEXICANS WITH HELP OF THERE PORTA RICAN BOSS HAVE DONE THIS AND THE WHITES have no one to complain to there all mexican and black and thats the way they want it if you look at rating for health plans HUMMANA HAS DROP TO 3 STARS OUT OF 6 SIENSE OUR MAYOR HAS ASKED ALL THESE COMPANIES AND THE WHITE ARE JUST SCREWED AND SO IS THE COMPANIES BECAUSE THE BLACKS ARE DUMBER THAN DIRT AND THE MEXICAN DON'T SPEAK ENOUGH ENGLISH SO THE PEOPLE GET BAD INFORMATION AND THE WHITE HALF TO CLEAN THE MESS UP AND THE BOSS IS GOING TO PROTECT THE MEXICANS AND BLACKS TO PROTECT HIS JOB GREAT GOING MAYOR PHIL

Phil Gordon will be remembered most as an illegal alien harboring, over-spending, Janet Napolitano brown-nosing (A)ss Hole who pretty much ruined the city of Phoenix. I hope he wakes up one day gagging on his own failure. Good riddance.

Mayor Gordon has just had a lesson in why women are attracted to people in High Places, to further their ambitions and increased their bank account. And when all the advantages have been used up, dumps the Donor. It's called "The Gold Digger Principal?. Now she's looking for another, "Mr. Right". The Beat goes On.

Is this law Racist? Does it specify brown people?Are the people who agree with this law racist?Are those who want this law enforced racist?The law says nothing of little "brown" people but it explains what is illegal entry. It's not very hard to understand. Why is this law "broken"? Why can it be selectively ignored?Illegal alien includes all people who entered illegally, could be Croation, Russian, Chinese, Irish, Canadians and yes even Mexicans. No one single race or people is referenced in the law. Under Title 8 Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," any citizen of any country other than the United States who:Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact; has committed a federal crime.Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison. Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense.Gordon could never understand this and has cost Pheonix and surrounding cities hundreds of millions to support the education, health and welfare of these illegal immigrants.

I just read he will walk away with over a million dollars from political contributions from developers. This sorry ass will be remembered for influence peddling (like the veolia bus contract) and the biggest sham of light rail which caused the phoenix budget depression. Millions spent on buying up viable business property for light rail parking lots where residents park their cars all day to ride downtown on a light rail. These lots are always never over 20% full, but create a disneyland illusion with more above ground ugly steal beams, wires and visual pollution. How much $$ did gordon get out of this? Best kept secret to date on draining city budgets. I have lived here 62 years, native resident. No common sense when less money gould have been spent for street improvements and more municipal buses to transport the short time transients from back east. Az is hot, uses a simple street "grid system" that seems not to be understood by the mayor. The transportation system and developer steve elman seem to make politicians rich and "star struck" sucking them in their self serving ponzi schemes...

gordon is just another self serving "create your own importance" self promoter. I would be interested how much money he siphoned off as through campaign contributions and developer kickbacks, much less his "hide the salami" and "stink finger " tactics with the ignorant opportunist girlfriend trying to play intellegent consultant, ( while being a poor credit risk and unable to manage her own finances). Seems do gooder political activisists in phoenix will continue to work behind the scenes to protect these two idiots.

What gordon will remembered for is giveing Phoenix to Mexico and the Cartels to get Ilegal labor here along with drugs. And for going on the radio and saying the Sheriff is old and senielwhen hes the only one keeping phoenix safe form Ilegals .And not let us forget how with help of the police union was able to keep the officers from having the proper fire power to fight back the cartel that. Oh no this has been the worse mayor we have ever had And the ones running are Just more land stealers who don't care that the mexican are rushing in here like we have a billboard free everything screw the real people of phoenix ONE LAST WORD THIS IS OUR COUNTRY REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY TELL IN MEXICO AND WE WILL FIGHT FOR ITOURSLEVES IF THE GOVERMENT WON'T.

I hope Gordon's Legacy will include a stay in a local prison for his misuse of taxpayer and campaign funds and using his influence to keep his girlfriend adequately funded . The investigations are on going, and I hope some charges will ensure. I hope, but he's probably not smart enough to have learned what the two words, "GOLD DIGGER", and "SUCKER PUNCHED" means. He's definitely had both experience with his ex-girlfiend. Now that Gordons out of job, and can't influence her finiancil gains anymore, Adios, Stupido! There is other suckers waiting in line, and the Gold Diggers will accomodate them as long as the Money and Travel perks keep flowing in. And I'll bet he thought it was his dynamic personality that attracted the women, who who have figured it was really the financial perks he make happen.

Is this law Racist? Does it specify brown people?Are the people who agree with this law racist?Are those who want this law enforced racist?The law says nothing of little "brown" people but it explains what is illegal entry. It's not very hard to understand. Why is this law "broken"? Why can it be selectively ignored?Illegal alien includes all people who entered illegally, could be Croation, Russian, Chinese, Irish, Canadians and yes even Mexicans. No one single race or people is referenced in the law. Under Title 8 Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," any citizen of any country other than the United States who:Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact; has committed a federal crime.Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison. Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense. Gordon could not compehend his.

Go eff yourself. You didn't pay for shit! Who do you think cooked your food in the last reataurant you frequented? Did the dogwork jobs that you don't want to do? Paid sales tax and social security tax and got nothing back for it, Bought goods, kept the economy going (now, not so much since fools like you have driven them away)? Besides, this article is about Phil Gordon's bullshit, not illegal immigration. The subject is barely touched on so stop ranting about it here. How many effen posts have you put up saying the same damn thing... Chill redneck!

This makes absolutely no sense. How can you blame Obama for the illegal immigration issues that existed fifty years before he became president? (I don't care for, and didn't vote for, Obama, by the way)

Interesting comment. On one hand the guy had the fortitude to stand up to the MCSO shurf, and on the other, he has been one of the most manipulative and dishonest mayors a city could have. Although I admired his stand against MCSO I would NEVER vote for him again. Thank goodness for term limits.

Nope, yer wrong. He is a Chicago pol -- therefore, by definition, he is a crook, liar, and self aggrandizing fool. No different than anyone else from Chicago (and now Phoenix/Chicago Style) politics--"citizen's be damned" I guess

Good post, yet how many stupid ass voters, continue to empower idiots like him, that literally work against their best interests. And when it comes to draining city budgets, Americans are particularly clueless. Scum like Gordon, (we have tons of them in California) just love to raid the general fund of the cities they are entrusted to run. The ONLY WAY, to stop this theft is to make every politician sign a contract that clearly states their pay, RIGHT TO THE PENNY, and what they can and cannot do without voter approval. As things now stand, these scum have a free hand to ignite their natural criminal proclivities

In the country illegally, He waorks for cash under the table. NO TAXES PAID. She's a stay at home wife. Been in the US for 16 years and had 7 children. Do you honestly think they paid their own medical bills?

He cannot be blamed for what happened during the past fifty years, it's true, but what he is guiltly of, criminally I would add, is doing his sworn duty. To repeat this for the thousandth time, existing U.S. immigration law is crystal clear. If you aid or abett, anyone that is in this country without permission, you are guilty of a crime, in other words, your'e a criminal, ACCORDING TO EXISTING UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION LAW. Now, you know Obama's activites invovling illegal immigration, and what he has openly stated, so he himself has answered the question of his blame. He, like Reagan, Bush senior, Clinton, Bush Jr. IS GUILTY OF NOT DOING HIS SWORN DUTY. Man, this stuff just isn't rocket science, and by allowing these:"leaders" to get away with breaking U.S. law is what is plunging this nation into chaos. Don't people get it??????? It truly isn't just about Illegal immigration but rather, illegal immigration is just one of many "in your face" topics that illustrates how far the elite DOESN'T CARE ABOUT WHAT AMERICAN CITIZENS ARE AFFECTED WITH.